Pico Navarro Norte, First Winter Ascent and Possible New Route

South America, Argentina and Chile, Central Andes

Climbs And Expeditions

Author: Pablo David González, Mendoza, Argentina

Climb Year: 2010

Publication Year: 2011

Named after a famous miner from the 19th century who discovered gold and copper, the beautiful Navarro Valley is situated south of Las Cuevas Village. A group of four peaks stands on the west side of the valley The name of the northern peak is Santa Elena, a classic training summit for Chilean and Argentinean climbers. Santa Elena can be climbed in one day from Cristo Redentor Pass. The second peak is difficult, unnamed and with no recorded ascents. The last two peaks are usually called Navarro. Javier Gutiérrez and I climbed northern Navarro (4,660m) on September 14 by the east face and north ridge (50° snow and UIAA III/IV rock steps near the summit). The last climbers known to reach its summit were Carlos Sansoni and Jorge Crescitelli on April 14,1977. Ours was the fourth ascent and the first in winter.

Pico Navarro Norte, First Winter Ascent and Possible New Route

South America, Argentina and Chile, Central Andes

Named after a famous miner from the 19th century who discovered gold and copper, the beautiful Navarro Valley is situated south of Las Cuevas Village. A group of four peaks stands on the west side of the valley The name of the northern peak is Santa Elena, a classic training summit for Chilean and Argentinean climbers. Santa Elena can be climbed in one day from Cristo Redentor Pass. The second peak is difficult, unnamed and with no recorded ascents. The last two peaks are usually called Navarro. Javier Gutiérrez and I climbed northern Navarro (4,660m) on September 14 by the east face and north ridge (50° snow and UIAA III/IV rock steps near the summit). The last climbers known to reach its summit were Carlos Sansoni and Jorge Crescitelli on April 14,1977. Ours was the fourth ascent and the first in winter.

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Photos and Topos Click photo to view full size and see caption

Author / Photographer: Pablo González

Publication Year: 2011

Caption: The line of Pico Navarro Norte's first winter ascent, the east face and north ridge.